November 16: International Day for Tolerance

The International Day for Tolerance is observed globally on 16 November to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance

The observance of the day seeks to educate masses about the need for tolerance in society and help them understand the negative effects of intolerance.

Besides, the 2016 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence was bestowed upon Russia’s Federal Research and Methodological Centre for Tolerance Psychology and Education (Tolerance Centre).

Background

The International Day for Tolerance was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 51/95 in 1996. The day was officially designated in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance 1995 proclaimed by the UNGA in 1993.

UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize

The UNESCO had instituted Madanjeet Singh Prize in 1995 to mark the day and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence. The prize rewards persons in the fields of scientific, artistic, cultural or communication aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence.